Anthropometric characteristics and physical qualities of artistic roller and figure skaters: A narrative review

Objectives. - The purposes of this review are: (i) to summarize the scientific literature regarding the anthropometric profile of artistic roller and figure skaters by skating discipline, skating level and gender; (ii) to summarize the scientific literature regarding the physical qualities of artistic roller and figure skaters by skating discipline, skating level and gender to provide relevant recommendations for both coaches and practitioners. News. - The analysis of the current literature demonstrates that elite skaters have high levels of aerobic power, agility, and strength compared to their non-elite counterparts. Moreover, elite skaters have significant asymmetries between limbs that might result in future injuries. Male skaters that participate in pairs disciplines have greater anthropometric measurements such as body mass, body height and arm span compared to those that participate in single disciplines. Freestyle skaters jump higher and have better levels of agility than synchronized skaters. Freestyle skaters and pairs skaters are amongst those who have better levels of flexibility. Prospects and projects. - This study is a narrative review which analyzed studies that investigated how body composition and physical qualities affect sports performance in artistic roller and figure skaters, based on their skating level and skating discipline. Conclusion. - This review can be a useful tool for coaches because it can help them to identify athletes with relevant morphological characteristics for any discipline of the artistic roller and figure skating. Furthermore, this review can help coaches build specific strength and conditioning programs for artistic skaters bearing in mind the athletes' discipline and theirlevel. (c) 2022 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.